Central Berkshires Habitat For Humanity Sells 54th Home
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity has sold more than 50 homes to local families — most recently to a health-care worker and single mother.
The below-market condominium is one of two that the nonprofit built at 112 Robbins Ave. for families earning between 55 percent and 65 percent of the area median income. The home features a riser made from the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, which was grown in West Stockbridge.
On Tuesday, Habitat announced the completion and sale of its 54th home.
It was sold to Binta Kinteh, who is described as a "devoted health-care worker, single mother, and cherished member of the Pittsfield community." She is reportedly known to her coworkers and patients as "Mama B" and worked alongside Habitat construction crews.
"This milestone not only marks another safe, affordable home built in Berkshire County — it also represents the powerful partnership between community, perseverance, and hope," the nonprofit wrote.
"Binta, a longtime health-care worker and mother of four, has spent years working to build a better life for her family in Pittsfield. When she learned about Habitat's affordable homeownership program, she applied and was accepted after completing the financial education training required for all future Habitat homeowners. She and her family and friends then set about completing hours of volunteer service—called Partnership Hours — working side-by-side with staff, volunteers, and other future homeowners to help build homes for herself and others."
Earlier this year, two below-market modular homes arrived in the Westside neighborhood. Monthly costs for the three- and four-bedroom units were expected to be less than $1,500 with Habitat's subsidies.
The two homes were to be sold for $148,000 for a three-bedroom with the 20 percent subsidy and $156,000 for a four-bedroom. Similar homes in the Pittsfield area are valued between $225,000 and $250,000. Buyers enter into a condominium trust that establishes standards for the property.
Building the units cost $438,000 and $444,000 due to inflation in construction materials, labor shortages, and tariffs on imported supplies. Habitat was allocated $240,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust and received support from MassHousing's Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
Carolyn Valli, CEO of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, lit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City for the final time in January because its lumber was donated to the nonprofit. Earl and Lesley Albert planted the 74-foot-tall Norway spruce in their front yard in 1967.
According to Rockefeller Center, the trees have been donated to Habitat for Humanity International to be milled into lumber since 2007. Habitat said the iconic tree will serve as a literal and symbolic first step into a new chapter for Kinteh and many other families.
She reported feeling "incredibly blessed."
"As Binta and her children prepare to move into their new home, the Central Berkshire Habitat
community celebrates not just the completion of a house, but the transformation of lives," CBHFH wrote.
"Binta shared with Habitat that her daughter has been accepted to Howard University in Washington, DC, and will begin her new future this fall. Truly, Binta's story is a testament to the power of partnership, and a reminder that safe, stable housing changes everything."
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